Autonomous signal boosting robotic device

ABSTRACT

Provided is a robotic device including: a chassis including a set of wheels; one or more motors for driving the set of wheels; a suspension system; a rechargeable battery for providing power to the robotic device; a controller for controlling movement of the robotic device; a processor; a set of sensors; and, a signal boosting device. Further provided is a method for providing a mobile signal boost including: providing a robotic device including: a chassis including a set of wheels; a motor for driving the set of wheels; a suspension system; a rechargeable battery for providing power to the device; a control system module for controlling the movement of the device; a processor; and, a set of sensors; providing a signal boosting device coupled to the robotic device; and, transporting the signal boosting device to one or more locations within an environment of the robotic device by the robotic device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/558,278, filed Sep. 13, 2017, 62/594,136, filed Dec. 4, 2017, and62/615,435, filed Jan. 9, 2018, each of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

In this patent, certain U.S. patents, U.S. patent applications, or othermaterials (e.g.) articles) have been incorporated by reference.Specifically, U.S. application Ser. Nos. 15/272,752, 15/949,708,16/048,179, 16/048,185, 16/163,541, 16/163,562, 16/163,508, 16/185,000,62/681,965, 62/614,449, 16/109,617, 16/051,328, 15/449,660, 16/041,286,15/406,890, 14/673,633, 16/163,530, 62/746,688, 62/740,573, 62/740,580,15/955,480, 15/425,130, 15/955,344, 14/817,952, 16/198,393, 15/981,643,15/986,670, 62/664,389, 15/447,450, 15/447,623, 62/665,942, 62/617,589,62/620,352, 15/951,096, 16/130,880, 14/948,620, 16/239,410, 14/859,748,16/230,805, and 16/127,038 are hereby incorporated by reference. Thetext of such U.S. Patents, U.S. patent applications, and other materialsis, however, only incorporated by reference to the extent that noconflict exists between such material and the statements and drawingsset forth herein. In the event of such conflict, the text of the presentdocument governs, and terms in this document should not be given anarrower reading in virtue of the way in which those terms are used inother materials incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to robotic devices, and more particularly toitem-carrying and item-transporting robotic devices.

BACKGROUND

Mobile robotic devices are becoming increasingly common in consumerhomes and commercial spaces. In several instances, mobile roboticdevices are beneficial for the convenience they provide. For example,autonomous mobile robotic devices that perform specific tasks such asvacuuming, mopping, mowing, and the like, provide convenience to a useras the tasks are completed by the mobile robotic device without or withminimal human intervention.

A mobile robotic device that can carry and transport items can beuseful. For example, a mobile robotic device that can autonomously carryand transport a refuse container back and forth between a storagelocation and refuse collection location at scheduled times can beuseful. In another example, a mobile robotic device that can carry andtransport a voice-activated home assistant, such as Google Assistant orAmazon Alexa, can be useful as the robotic device can provide a userwith continuous access to the home assistant as they move around anenvironment. In other instances, a mobile robotic device that canautonomously carry and transport other items such as a bike, a remotecontrol, speakers, food, a laptop, a cell phone, a Wi-Fi router, asignal booster, or any other item can also be beneficial.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of thetechniques described herein in order to provide a basic understanding ofthe invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of theinvention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of theinvention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purposeis to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form asa prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

Some aspects provide a robotic device including: a chassis including aset of wheels; one or more motors for driving the set of wheels; asuspension system; a rechargeable battery for providing power to therobotic device; a controller for controlling movement of the roboticdevice; a processor; a set of sensors; and, a signal boosting device.

Some aspects include a method for providing a mobile signal boostincluding: providing a robotic device including: a chassis including aset of wheels; a motor for driving the set of wheels; a suspensionsystem; a rechargeable battery for providing power to the device; acontrol system module for controlling the movement of the device; aprocessor; and, a set of sensors; providing a signal boosting devicecoupled to the robotic device; and, transporting the signal boostingdevice to one or more locations within an environment of the roboticdevice by the robotic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example of a robotic device and therobotic device carrying and transporting an item, respectively,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a robotic device carrying andtransporting an item according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a robotic device with cavities carryingand transporting an item according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a robotic device carrying andtransporting an item according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a robotic device carrying andtransporting an item built into the robotic device according to someembodiments

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a robotic device and an application ofa communication device paired with the robotic device according to someembodiments by which the techniques described herein may be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The present inventions will now be described in detail with reference toa few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present inventions. Itwill be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the presentinvention may be practiced without some or all of these specificdetails. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structureshave not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscurethe present invention. Further, it should be emphasized that severalinventive techniques are described, and embodiments are not limited tosystems implanting all of those techniques, as various cost andengineering trade-offs may warrant systems that only afford a subset ofthe benefits described herein or that will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art.

Some embodiments include an autonomous mobile robotic device thatcarries and transports items within an environment. The robotic deviceincludes, but is not limited to include, a set of wheels, a powersource, a chassis, a suspension system, a rechargeable battery, anactuator, a control module, and a processor. Examples of wheels of arobotic device are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/664,389,Ser. Nos. 15/447,450, 15/447,623, and 62/665,942, the entire contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference. Examples of a suspensionsystem are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/617,589,62/620,352, and Ser. No. 15/951,096, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the roboticdevice further includes a platform on which items are placed forcarrying and transportation. In some embodiments, the robotic devicefurther includes a user interface for, for example, adjusting settings,choosing functions, scheduling tasks. In some embodiments, the roboticdevice further includes a mapping module for mapping the environmentusing mapping methods such as those described in U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 16/048,179, 16/048,185, 16/163,541, 16/163,562, 16/163,508,16/185,000, 62/681,965, and 62/614,449, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the roboticdevice further includes a localization module for localizing the roboticdevice using localization methods such as those described in U.S. PatentApplication Nos. 62/746,688, 62/740,573, 62/740,580, Ser. Nos.15/955,480, 15/425,130, and 15/955,344 the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the roboticdevice further includes a path planning module to determine optimalmovement paths of the robotic device based on the tasks of the roboticdevice using path planning methods such as those described in U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 16/041,286, 15/406,890, and 14/673,633, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. In someembodiments, the robotic device includes a scheduling module for settinga schedule of the robotic device using scheduling methods such as thosedescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 16/051,328 and15/449,660, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference. In some embodiments, the robotic device includes sensors suchas cameras, LIDAR sensors, LADAR sensors, stereo imaging sensors,optical sensors, imaging sensors, distance sensors, acoustic sensors,motion sensors, obstacle sensors, cliff sensors, floor sensors, debrissensors, time-of-flight sensors, depth sensors, signal transmitters andreceivers, signal strength sensor, gyroscope, optical encoders, opticalflow sensors, GPS, and other types of sensors. In some embodiments, therobotic device includes a wireless module to wirelessly send and receiveinformation, such as a Wi-Fi module or a Bluetooth module. In someembodiments, the robotic device includes an acoustic sensor to receiveverbal commands. In some embodiments, the robotic device includes abuilt-in signal booster, home assistant device, Wi-Fi router, or otheritem. In some embodiments, the robotic device is similar to theitem-transporting robotic device described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/127,038, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporatedby reference.

In some embodiments, the autonomous robotic device carries andtransports items within an environment, such a consumer home, acommercial establishment, and a city. In some embodiments, items arebuilt into the robotic device. For example, the robotic device carriesand transport a home assistant such as a Google Assistant or AmazonAlexa separate from or built into the robotic device around a consumerhome such that a user can have continuous access to the assistant. Inanother example, a robotic device carries and transports a speakersystem separate from or built into the robotic device to a specific roomwithin an environment. Other examples of items the robotic device cancarry and transport include, but are not limited to, a mobile phone, amobile phone charger, a mobile phone docking station, a laptop, a laptopcharging station, a Wi-Fi router, a signal booster, a home assistant, aremote control, a refuse container, a recycling bin, a bicycle, food anddrinks, storage boxes, laundry basket, luggage, other robotic devices,etc. For instance, a robotic device picks up food from a particularlocation within an environment (e.g., fast food restaurant, grocerystore, kitchen, etc.) and delivers the food to another particularlocation within the environment (e.g., a particular home, a particularroom within a home, etc.). In another example, a robotic device picks upan item purchased online by a user from a warehouse or store anddelivers it to the user. In some embodiments, items are carried on aplatform of the robotic device. In one example, a robotic devicetransports a Wi-Fi router or a signal booster around a consumer homesuch that the Wi-Fi router or signal booster remain a predetermineddistance from a user. In some embodiments, the platform includescavities within which the items are placed. In some embodiments, itemsare temporarily stored on the robotic device. In some embodiments, therobotic device is stored or parked in at least one specific locationuntil the robotic device is required. For example, a robotic deviceparks in a particular location of an environment (e.g., particularparking area, a room within a house, etc.) until a processor of therobotic device is provided with instructions to transport an item to oneor more particular locations or until executing a scheduled command. Forinstance, the robotic device storing a refuse container parks in aspecific location and transports the refuse container to a refusecollection location at specific times. In another instance, stock of awarehouse is temporarily stored on the robotic device and the roboticdevice parks in a particular location until the stock is required atwhich point the robotic device transports the stock to a loading dockfor loading. In some embodiments, an item is placed on the roboticdevice for transportation by, for example, the robotic device, a user,another robotic device or a machine. In some embodiments, one or moreitems placed on the robotic device is collected from at least onepredetermined location at at least one predetermined date and time thatmay or may not be recurring on a, for example, weekly or bi-weeklybasis. For example, a robotic device autonomously transports a refuse orrecycling container from a storage location to a predeterminedcollection location on a recurring bi-weekly basis. In another example,a robotic device picks up office supplies from a stockroom or warehouseor store and delivers the office supplies to one or more establishmentsfor replenishing office supplies such ach paper, toner, pens, andpaperclips. In some embodiments, after distributing, delivering, ortransporting one or more items or completing a particular task, therobotic device autonomously navigates back to a designated location.

In embodiments, the robotic device can be configured to store, carry ortransport various different types of items. For example, the roboticdevice can be configured to deliver pizza. In some cases, the roboticdevice is configured to carry an oven and bake the pizza in route to thedelivery location. In another example, the robotic device is configuredto transport groceries or other food and drink items. In some instances,the robotic device is configured with a fridge or freezer in which thefood or drink items can be stored. In one example, the robotic device isconfigured to carry and transport first aid supplies or a defibrillatorand in some cases, is capable of entering a location under fire with thefirst aid supplies. In other cases, the robotic device is configured tocarry and transport a pressure cleaner or other home and car cleaningsupplies, an ATM, or luggage. In some instances, the robotic device isconfigured to carry advertisements and navigate throughout anenvironment displaying the advertisements. In some embodiments, therobotic device can carry the advertisements while performing other taskssuch as delivering items. In some embodiments, the robotic device isconfigured to push or pull items. For example, in some instances, therobotic device is configured to walk a dog or push hospital beds. Inother examples, the robotic device is configured to carry and spreaditems such as salt or pesticides.

In some embodiments, instructions, scheduling (e.g. pickup, delivery,transportation dates, times, and locations), and other types ofinformation are provided to the processor of the robotic device using anapplication of a communication device with a graphical user interfacepaired with the robotic device. Examples of a communication deviceincludes a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop computer, aspecialized computer, remote control, etc. For example, a user uses anapplication of a communication device to command a robotic devicetransporting a home assistant to remain a particular distance from theuser. In another example, a user uses an application of a communicationdevice to command a robotic device to pick up food from a particularrestaurant and deliver the food to the home of the user eitherimmediately or at a scheduled time. In one example, a user uses anapplication of a communication device to schedule recurring pick up ofgroceries from a particular grocery store and deliver the groceries to ahome of the user every Sunday at 3 pm. In some embodiments, other userinterfaces such as a web application on an electronic device, aspecialized software downloaded on an electronic device, a remotecontrol, a user interface integrated into the robotic device, or anothertype of device that can communicate with the processor of the roboticdevice are used to communicate with the robotic device. Examples of agraphical user interface of an application of a communication devicethat can be used is described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.15/272,752 and 15/949,708, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference. Examples of methods for providing schedulinginformation to a robotic device that can be used are described in U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 16/051,328 and 15/449,660, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Examples ofmethods for pairing a robotic device with an application of acommunication device are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/109,617, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated byreference. In some embodiments, verbal instructions are provided to therobotic device by, for example, a user, a specialized computer, anotherrobotic device, or a control system. For example, a user verballycommands a robotic device to transport a particular item such as alaptop, remote control, home assistant, Wi-Fi router, signal booster, orother type of home or office items to a particular location of anenvironment. In some embodiments, the robotic device executes aparticular action when the communication device is within apredetermined range from the robotic device. In some embodiments, theuser uses the application of the communication device to provide one ormore actions for the robotic device to execute when the communicationdevice is within the predetermined range of the robotic device. Forexample, a robotic device transports a signal booster to a particulararea of the environment upon a processor of the robotic devicedetermining that a communication device of the user is within apredetermined range from the robotic device. In some embodiments, theprocessor of the robotic device uses information gathered by sensors ofthe robotic device to determine when to initiate a particular action ofthe robotic device. For example, a processor of a robotic deviceinstructs the robotic device to pick up and transport a newspaper from afront door of a home of a user to a kitchen of the home upon sensing ashower being turned on prior to noon time. In another example, aprocessor of a robotic device instructs the robotic device to transporta speaker system such that the speaker system remains in the same roomas a user of the robotic device upon detecting a front door of a houseof the user opening. In some embodiments, a user provides theinstructions, scheduling, and other types of information to theapplication of the communication device. In some embodiments, the useruses the application of the communication device to further provide andadjust settings and functions of the robotic device, provide and adjustuser preferences, and receive information related to the robotic device,as described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 15/272,752 and15/949,708, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

In some embodiments, the robotic device purchases requested items from aparticular location and picks up, transports, and delivers the requesteditems to one or more specified drop-off locations. In some embodiments,an item is requested using the application of the communication devicepaired with the robotic device and the processor of the robotic deviceactuates the robotic device to purchase, pick up, transport, and deliverthe item to a particular location specified using the application of thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the robotic device searchesand locates a particular requested item and delivers the item to one ormore locations.

In some embodiments, the robotic device includes imaging sensors tocapture images of an item and an item recognition module to identify theitem. In some embodiments, the item recognition module includes imagingsensors and an image processor. In some embodiments, the application ofthe communication device is used to instruct the robotic device toautonomously search for an item, and in some cases, pick up, transport,and deliver the item to a particular location. For example, a userinstructs a robotic device to find and deliver a tablet to a masterbedroom. In some embodiments, images or a live stream video captured bythe imaging device as the robotic device navigates within theenvironment is displayed within the application of the communicationpaired with the robotic device. In some embodiments, the robotic deviceis instructed to pick up, transport, and deliver a particular item to aparticular location upon detecting the particular item in the images orvideo captured. In other embodiments, the instruction is provided to therobotic device using voice command, a web application or software pairedwith the robotic device, a user interface of the robotic device or byother means of communicating with the robotic device. In someembodiments, the item recognition module further determines thecharacteristics of the item using input from sensors. In someembodiments, characteristics of an item include type, fragility,bulkiness, weight, dimensions, size, shape, stability and the like. Inother embodiments, the processor of the robotic device is provided withthe characteristics of the item. In some embodiments, a user indicatesthe characteristics of the item using, for example, an application of acommunications device, a remote control, an interface of a roboticdevice or other means of communication.

In some embodiments, the processor of the robotic device partiallydetermines actions based on environmental characteristics such asterrain, obstacle locations and obstacle density, elevation, and terrainand elevation transitions. For example, a processor of a robotic devicechooses a movement path along a flat and smooth driving surface that hasno elevation changes from a pickup location to a delivery location of anitem if the item being transported is fragile as rough terrain andelevation changes increase the risk of damage to the fragile item. As afurther example, a processor of a robotic device alters its movementpath upon detecting an elevation change due to a transition betweenhardwood and carpeted floor types if the robotic device is transportingan item with low stability as the item can fall and become damaged as aresult of driving over the transition. In some instances, the processorof the robotic device reduces driving speed if the item, for example, isfragile or has low stability. In some embodiments, preferences for theoperation of the robotic device are set based on the characteristics ofitem being transported. For example, the robotic device is set to onlyoperate on particular types of work surfaces or travel at particularspeeds depending on the type of item being carried and transported. Insome embodiments, the settings are provided to the processor using anapplication of a communication device paired with the robotic device, auser interface of the robotic device, a web application paired with therobotic device, or other means of communicating with the robotic device.In some embodiments, the robotic device autonomously adjusts settingsbased on real-time data collected by sensors and/or history of settingsof previously transported items. For example, real-time data fromsensors of a robotic device indicate an uneven weight distribution andhence instability of an item being transported and in response aprocessor of the robotic device adjusts the speed and route of therobotic device to reduce the risk of item damage. In another example, aprocessor of a robotic device determines a driving speed fortransporting a fragile item of medium size using a history of previouslytransported fragile items of medium size, the history indicating aparticular range of speed for which vibration of the fragile items ofmedium size was minimal. In some embodiments, the processor of therobotic device autonomously learns optimal driving settings for itemswith different characteristics using machine learning techniques.

In some embodiments, the processor of the robotic device learns whichtasks to execute based on the history of tasks performed. For example, aprocessor of a robotic device learns what items to pick up and deliverbased on the history of items picked up and delivered. In someembodiments, the robotic device autonomously executes tasks based on thehistory of tasks performed. For example, a processor of a robotic deviceis repeatedly requested robotic device to transport a home assistantaround an environment to maintain the home assistant within apredetermined range from a user every day of the week from 5-10 PMexcept on Saturdays and Sundays. Over time, the processor of the roboticdevice learns to autonomously transport the home assistant around theenvironment such that the home assistant remains within a predeterminedrange from the user every day of the week from 5-10 PM except onSaturdays and Sundays. In another example, a commercial establishmentrequests pick of particular office supplies from a warehouse anddelivery of the office supplies to the commercial establishment everymonth by a robotic device. Over time, the processor of the roboticdevice learns to autonomously pick up and deliver the particular officesupplies to the commercial establishment every month based on priorhistory. In some embodiments, requests are provided to the roboticdevice using the application of the communication device paired with therobotic device or other means of communicating with the robotic device.In some embodiments, the processor of the robotic device requiresconfirmation by a user prior to autonomously performing tasks based onprevious tasks completed. In some embodiments, the user providesconfirmation using the application of the communication device pairedwith the robotic device or other means of communicating with the roboticdevice. In some embodiments, the robotic device learns what tasks toexecute using reinforcement learning (e.g., Markov Decision Process).Examples of learning methods are described in U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 16/163,530, 16/239,410, 14/859,748, 14/817,952, 16/198,393,and 16/041,286 the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a robotic device including platform100 for carrying and transporting items and wheels 101. In someembodiments, wheels 101 are mecanum wheels such as those described inU.S. Patent Application Nos. 62/664,389, Ser. Nos. 15/447,450, and15/447,623, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference. In some embodiments, the robotic device includes a suspensionsystem such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Nos.62/665,942, 62/617,589, 62/620,352, and Ser. No. 15/951,096, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. FIG. 1Billustrates the robotic device carrying box 102 containing groceries.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a robotic device including carryingcontainer 200 for carrying and transporting items and wheels 201. Thewalls of carrying container 200 protect items from falling off of therobotic device. The robotic device carries and transports a homeassistant device 202 within carrying container 200. In other instances,the shape and size of the robotic device and carrying container can bedifferent.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a robotic device including cavity 300for carrying and transporting food item 301, built-in docking station302 for phone 303 and wheels 304.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a robotic device with built-in signalboosting device 400 and wheels 401. The robotic device remains within apredetermined distance from a user to continuously provide a signalboost to Wi-Fi signal 402 and subsequently a strong signal strength tothe user.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an example of a robotic device 500 witha processor 501, memory 502, sensor 503, actuator 504, battery 505 andelectrical ports 506. In some embodiments, the robotic device 500 mayinclude the features of a robotic device described herein. In someembodiments, program code stored in the memory 502 and executed by theprocessor 501 may effectuate the operations described herein. Someembodiments additionally include communication device 507 (e.g., mobiledevice, laptop, remote control, specialized computer, desktop computer,tablet, etc.) having a touchscreen 508 and that executes an applicationby which the user interfaces with robotic device 500. In someembodiments, processor 501 and memory 502 implement some of thefunctionality described herein. In some embodiments, a user may provideinstructions to robotic device 500 to perform certain tasks or to usecertain settings at certain times or in certain areas of the environmentusing the application of communication device 507 wirelessly paired withrobotic device 500.

In some embodiments, the platform or carrying container or othervariations of such components are built into the robotic device or areseparate components attached to the robotic device for carrying andtransporting items. In some embodiments, the robotic device includescavities in a top surface of the robotic device for holding itemssecurely. For example, slotted cavities in the surface of the roboticdevice may be present where a mobile router or smart device such as, forexample, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant may be placed securely. Insome embodiments, the robotic device includes mechanisms for securingitems such as straps, a cover that covers items and attaches and locksto the robotic device, clamps, etc. In some embodiments, the roboticdevice includes a robotic arm, a forklift, a bed lift, a bucket, orother component or device capable of picking up items.

In some instances, electricity is required for items being carried andtransported by the robotic device. For example, a music speaker or arouter carried and transported by a robotic device around an environmentrequires electricity to play music or provide a signal, respectively. Insome embodiments, the robotic device includes one or more electricalports that provide electricity to items carried and transported by therobotic device or to provide electricity to items within an environment.In some embodiments, the robotic device provides electrical ports foritems located in areas of the environment having a lack of electricalports. For example, a user can request a robotic device includingelectrical sockets to navigate to a location in an environment lackingelectrical sockets such that the user can charge their laptop device. Inanother example, an owner of a conference center can request a roboticdevice including electrical ports to navigate to a location within theconference center lacking electrical ports. In some embodiments, the oneor more electrical ports can include an electrical socket, a smartphonecharging port, a tablet charging port, a home assistant charging port,or other types of ports and connectors that can provide items withelectricity. In some embodiments, the robotic device provides items withelectricity using a rechargeable battery of the robotic device, arechargeable battery separate from a main rechargeable battery of therobotic device, solar energy, or another energy source.

In some embodiments, the processor of the robotic device learns amovement path by physically directing the robotic device along themovement path or by using a remote control or an application of acommunication device paired with the robotic device to direct therobotic device along the movement path. For example, the robotic devicelearns a path between a first location and a second location byphysically wheeling the robotic device along a path through theenvironment from the first location to the second location. In someembodiments, path learning is initiated by pressing a start button onthe robotic device or on any other device capable of communicating withthe robotic device, voice activation or autonomously upon startup. Insome embodiments, path learning is completed by pressing an end buttonon the robotic device or on any other device capable of communicatingwith the robotic device, voice activation, or autonomously upondetecting no movement of the robotic device. Path learning is initiatedwhen the robotic device is positioned at the first location of therobotic device and completed after the robotic device has navigatedalong the movement path to the second location. In some embodiments,there are multiple locations along the movement path between the firstand second location in which the robotic device stops. In someembodiments, wherein the path of the robotic device comprises drivingone way along a movement path and returning back in the same way alongthe same movement path, path learning is initiated when the roboticdevice is positioned at the first location and completed after therobotic device has navigated to the location in which the robotic deviceit to turn around and return back along the same path to the firstlocation. Alternatively, in some embodiments, path learning is initiatedand completed using the application of the communication device pairedwith the robotic device. In some embodiments, the application of thecommunication device is used to mark the movement path of the roboticdevice within a map of the environment that is shared with the roboticdevice. During path learning, the processor of the robotic devicedetermines its location within an internal map of the environment whilesimultaneously mapping the environment using localization methodsreferred above. In some instances, the processor of the robotic devicemarks observed obstacles in the working environment within the internalmap of the environment. In other embodiments, the processor of therobotic device determines a movement path using path planning methodssuch as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 16/041,286,15/406,890, 14/673,633, 16/163,530, 14/817,952, 16/198,393, and16/239,410, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

In some embodiments, the processor of the robotic device generates analert when an unanticipated obstacle blocking the path of the roboticdevice is encountered during execution of a task. In some embodiments,the robotic device generates an alert by generating a noise, sending amessage to the application of the communication device paired with therobotic device or any other device paired with the robotic device,displaying a message on a screen of the robotic device, illuminatinglights, and the like. In some embodiments, the processor autonomouslyinstructs the robotic device to pick up, carry, and transport theobstacle to a particular location and in some cases, unload theobstacle. In some embodiments, the application of the communicationdevice provides the instruction to the processor which then actuates therobotic device to pick up, carry, and transport the obstacle.

In some embodiments, the item to be transported is built into therobotic device. For example, items such as a music system, a router, ahome or work assistant, a television, or other types of home or officeitems are built into the robotic device. In some embodiments, the itemis detachable from the robotic device.

In some embodiments in particular, a signal booster is built into therobotic device. In some embodiments, the signal booster is detachablefrom the robotic device. In some embodiments, the robotic device carriesand transports a signal booster that is separate from the roboticdevice. In some embodiments, the signal booster plugs into a powersource provided by the robotic device as described above. In someembodiments, the signal booster takes a preexisting signal, such as awireless internet signal from a router or a cellular signal from acellphone tower, and amplifies and rebroadcasts the signal to boost thesignal strength. In some embodiments, the application of thecommunication device paired with the robotic device is used to instructthe robotic device to transport the signal boosting device to aparticular location within the environment using a map of theenvironment displayed on the communication device using the application.In some embodiments, the application of the communication device is usedto instruct the processor of the robotic device to actuate the roboticdevice to remain a predetermined distance from the user or from thecommunication device paired with the robotic device when the user ispresent within the environment (e.g., a home environment). In someembodiments, the application of the communication device is used toinstruct the processor of the robotic device to actuate the roboticdevice to transport the signal booster to a particular location orremain a predetermined distance from the user or from the communicationdevice paired with the robotic device when the user is present withinthe environment (e.g., a home environment). In some embodiments, therobotic device autonomously transports the signal boosting device to oneor more locations within the environment of the robotic device at one ormore predetermined times. The one or more locations can include, forexample, an area within which the user of the robotic device is located,an area within which maximum user activity occurs relative to otherareas within the environment, an area located within a predeterminedrange from the user of the robotic device or from the communicationdevice paired with the robotic device, and locations that providestronger signal strength to the communication device of the userrelative to other locations within the environment. In some embodiments,the user uses the application to notify the robotic device that it ispresent within the environment and the processor of the robotic deviceactuates the robotic device to transport the signal booster close to theuser. In other embodiments, the robotic device autonomously detects whenthe user is present within the environment using sensors such as, motionsensors, acoustic sensors, etc. In some embodiments, a schedule is setusing the application of the communication device to instruct therobotic device to, for example, position itself at particular locationwithin the environment on particular days and times or to remain with apredetermined distance from the paired communication device or user onparticular days and times. In some embodiments, signal boosting can beactivated and deactivated. In some embodiments, sensors of the roboticdevice determine the strength of a signal and if it is below apredetermined threshold the processor of the robotic device activatessignal boosting and if it above the predetermined threshold deactivatessignal boosting. In some embodiments, the signal strength measured bysensors of the robotic device is the signal strength received by therobotic device and in other embodiments, the signal strength measured isthe signal strength received by the communication device. In someembodiments, the application of the communication device paired with therobotic device is used to communicate the signal strength received bythe communication device. In some embodiments, the processor of therobotic device learns the most optimal positions within the environmentto provide strong signal strength in all areas of the environment or inparticular areas of the environment as indicated by the user using theapplication of the communication device or in the particular area thatthe user is currently located. In some embodiments, the processor uses aMarkov Decision Process to learn the most optimal positions within theenvironment to provide strong signal strength in all areas of theenvironment or in particular areas of the environment as indicated by auser using the application of the communication device or in theparticular area that the user is currently located. In some embodiments,the processor of the robotic device determines the optimal position ofthe signal booster for each separate area within the environment suchthat the processor knows where to instruct the robotic device toposition itself when the user is located within a particular area of theenvironment. In some embodiments, a charging station of the roboticdevice includes a signal booster.

In some embodiments, the processor of the robotic device collaborateswith other processors of robotic devices within the same environment bysharing collaborative intelligence. For example, processors of tworobotic vacuum devices collaborate with one another to complete cleaningof an area within an environment, by splitting the area to be coveredand sharing areas that have been covered with one another to avoidrepeat coverage. In some embodiments, a signal sent from another roboticdevice within the same environment initiates the robotic device toexecute one or more particular actions (e.g., pick up, transport,deliver, or distribute a particular item). For example, a processor of arobotic stove sends a signal to item-transporting robotic device whenthe robotic stove is turned on, initiating the item-transporting roboticdevice to transport a music player into the kitchen such that a user canlisten to music while cooking. In some embodiments, multiple roboticdevices within the same environment collaborate such that one or moreitems can be shared among multiple users, consumer homes, commercialestablishments, etc. For example, a robotic device transports a lawnmower between multiple locations such that the lawn mower is sharedamong multiple consumer homes or commercial establishments. Examples ofcollaborative methods for robotic devices are described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 15/981,643, 15/986,670, 16/130,880, 14/948,620,and 16/185,000, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

In some embodiments, a control system provides instructions, scheduling(e.g. pickup, delivery, transportation dates, times, and locations), andother types of information are provided to the processor of the roboticdevice. In some embodiments, robotic device instructions, robotic devicescheduling, robotic device settings and functions, and user preferencesof the robotic device corresponding to a particular user of the roboticdevice are set within the control system or are provided to the controlsystem using an application of a communication device paired with therobotic device. In some embodiments, the control system instructs therobotic device to execute tasks such as those described above. Forexample, a control system instructs a robotic device to transport a workassistant device around a work environment such that the work assistantdevice remains within a predetermined distance from a communicationdevice of a particular user of the robotic device upon the controlsystem detecting the particular user entering the work environment. Inanother example, a control system instructs a robotic device with abuilt-in music player to play music and follow a user around a homeenvironment upon detecting the user entering the home environment andinstructs the robotic device to stop playing music and dock at acharging station upon detecting the user leaving the home environment.In one example, a control system instructs a robotic device to remain ina particular location during certain times of the day based oninstructions received by the control system from an application of acommunication device paired with the robotic device. In someembodiments, the control system detects a location of a user usingsensors such as imaging device or using a signal sent from theapplication of the communication device paired with the control systemor the robotic device. An example of a control system for managing oneor more robotic devices is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/130,880, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

In some embodiments, the processor of the robotic device has speechcapabilities. In some embodiments, the processor of the robotic deviceverbally communicates with a user, an operator, a control system,another robotic device, a specialized computer, or other types ofdevices capable of understanding verbal communication. For example, aprocessor of a robotic device verbally communicates its status, itsemotion (e.g., happy, sad, satisfied, unsatisfied, angry, conflicted,etc.), robotic device tasks, warnings, or any other type of informationwith an operator of the robotic device. Other examples of informationthat can be communicated include a current location of the roboticdevice, an item picked up, transported, or delivered by the roboticdevice, a pickup, delivery, or storage location of an item,completion/incompletion of a task, stalled warning, collision with anobstruction warning, device damage warning, etc. In some embodiments,the robotic device may also communicate an emotion using similarmethods. In some embodiments, information is communicated to a user, anoperator, a control system, another robotic device, a specializedcomputer, or any other type of device using other communication methods.For example, information is communicated to a user or operator using anapplication of a communication device paired with the robotic device.

In some embodiments sensors of the robotic device capture images of auser within the environment and the processor identifies the user basedon the features of the user in the captured images. In some embodiments,the processor loads particular robotic device settings and userpreferences and actuates the robotic device to execute particularinstructions upon identifying the user. For example, a processor of arobotic device actuates the robotic device to deliver a specific type ofcoffee to a desk of a user upon the processor identifying the user asthey enter the work environment.

In some embodiments, the robotic device is configured to transport itemsby pushing or pulling the one or more items. In some embodiments, therobotic device is configured to transport items by pushing or pulling acomponent separate from the robotic device that can carry items. In someembodiments, the robotic device includes a mechanism, such as an armwith a hook or arms, for pulling or pushing items or a component withinwhich items are held. For example, a robotic device transports ashopping cart from a first location to a second location by pushing it.In another example, a robotic device transports a wagon from onelocation to another by pulling it. In one example, a robotic devicetransports a robotic vacuum from a first location to a second locationby pushing a carrying container with wheels within which the roboticvacuum is contained.

In some embodiments, the robotic device includes a versatile mobilerobotic chassis that can be customized in terms of hardware, softwareand structure based on the function of the robotic device. An example ofa customizable versatile mobile robotic is described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/230,805, the entire contents of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, the battery of the robotic device is charged bydirectly plugging into a socket, or by connecting with a chargingstation. In some embodiments, the battery of the robotic device ischarged by connecting with a charging station that is powered usingsolar energy. In some embodiments, the robotic device incudes solarpanels and is powered using solar energy.

The figures provided herein are intended solely for the purpose ofillustrating examples of some embodiments and are not intended to limitthe scope, shape or design of the inventions disclosed. Other designsare possible without deviating from the scope of the inventionsdisclosed.

Various embodiments are described herein below, including methods andtechniques. It should be kept in mind that the invention might alsocover articles of manufacture that include a computer-readable medium onwhich computer-readable instructions for carrying out embodiments of theinventive technique are stored. The computer-readable medium may includesemiconductor, magnetic, opto-magnetic, optical, or other forms ofcomputer-readable medium for storing computer-readable code. Further,the invention may also cover apparatuses for practicing embodiments ofthe invention. Such apparatus may include circuits, dedicated and/orprogrammable, to carry out tasks pertaining to embodiments of theinvention. Examples of such apparatus include a computer and/or adedicated computing device when appropriately programmed and may includea combination of a computer/computing device and dedicated/programmablecircuits adapted for the various tasks pertaining to embodiments of theinvention.

In block diagrams provided herein, illustrated components are depictedas discrete functional blocks, but embodiments are not limited tosystems in which the functionality described herein is organized asillustrated. The functionality provided by each of the components may beprovided by software or hardware modules that are differently organizedthan is presently depicted. For example, such software or hardware maybe intermingled, conjoined, replicated, broken up, distributed (e.g.within a data center or geographically), or otherwise differentlyorganized. The functionality described herein may be provided by one ormore processors of one or more computers executing code stored on atangible, non-transitory, machine readable medium. In some cases,notwithstanding use of the singular term “medium,” the instructions maybe distributed on different storage devices associated with differentcomputing devices, for instance, with each computing device having adifferent subset of the instructions, an implementation consistent withusage of the singular term “medium” herein. In some cases, third partycontent delivery networks may host some or all of the informationconveyed over networks, in which case, to the extent information (e.g.,content) is said to be supplied or otherwise provided, the informationmay be provided by sending instructions to retrieve that informationfrom a content delivery network.

The reader should appreciate that the present application describesseveral independently useful techniques. Rather than separating thosetechniques into multiple isolated patent applications, the applicant hasgrouped these techniques into a single document because their relatedsubject matter lends itself to economies in the application process. Butthe distinct advantages and aspects of such techniques should not beconflated. In some cases, embodiments address all of the deficienciesnoted herein, but it should be understood that the techniques areindependently useful, and some embodiments address only a subset of suchproblems or offer other, unmentioned benefits that will be apparent tothose of skill in the art reviewing the present disclosure. Due to costsconstraints, some techniques disclosed herein may not be presentlyclaimed and may be claimed in later filings, such as continuationapplications or by amending the present claims. Similarly, due to spaceconstraints, neither the Abstract nor the Summary of the Inventionsections of the present document should be taken as containing acomprehensive listing of all such techniques or all aspects of suchtechniques.

It should be understood that the description and the drawings are notintended to limit the present techniques to the particular formdisclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the present techniques as defined by the appended claims.Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects ofthe techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view ofthis description. Accordingly, this description and the drawings are tobe construed as illustrative only and are for the purpose of teachingthose skilled in the art the general manner of carrying out the presenttechniques. It is to be understood that the forms of the presenttechniques shown and described herein are to be taken as examples ofembodiments. Elements and materials may be substituted for thoseillustrated and described herein, parts and processes may be reversed oromitted, and certain features of the present techniques may be utilizedindependently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art afterhaving the benefit of this description of the present techniques.Changes may be made in the elements described herein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present techniques as described in thefollowing claims. Headings used herein are for organizational purposesonly and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description.

As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in apermissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather thanthe mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). The words “include”,“including”, and “includes” and the like mean including, but not limitedto. As used throughout this application, the singular forms “a,” “an,”and “the” include plural referents unless the content explicitlyindicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” or “aelement” includes a combination of two or more elements, notwithstandinguse of other terms and phrases for one or more elements, such as “one ormore.” The term “or” is, unless indicated otherwise, non-exclusive,i.e., encompassing both “and” and “or.” Terms describing conditionalrelationships, e.g., “in response to X, Y,” “upon X, Y,”, “if X, Y,”“when X, Y,” and the like, encompass causal relationships in which theantecedent is a necessary causal condition, the antecedent is asufficient causal condition, or the antecedent is a contributory causalcondition of the consequent, e.g., “state X occurs upon condition Yobtaining” is generic to “X occurs solely upon Y” and “X occurs upon Yand Z.” Such conditional relationships are not limited to consequencesthat instantly follow the antecedent obtaining, as some consequences maybe delayed, and in conditional statements, antecedents are connected totheir consequents, e.g., the antecedent is relevant to the likelihood ofthe consequent occurring. Statements in which a plurality of attributesor functions are mapped to a plurality of objects (e.g., one or moreprocessors performing steps A, B, C, and D) encompasses both all suchattributes or functions being mapped to all such objects and subsets ofthe attributes or functions being mapped to subsets of the attributes orfunctions (e.g., both all processors each performing steps A-D, and acase in which processor 1 performs step A, processor 2 performs step Band part of step C, and processor 3 performs part of step C and step D),unless otherwise indicated. Further, unless otherwise indicated,statements that one value or action is “based on” another condition orvalue encompass both instances in which the condition or value is thesole factor and instances in which the condition or value is one factoramong a plurality of factors. Unless otherwise indicated, statementsthat “each” instance of some collection have some property should not beread to exclude cases where some otherwise identical or similar membersof a larger collection do not have the property, i.e., each does notnecessarily mean each and every. Limitations as to sequence of recitedsteps should not be read into the claims unless explicitly specified,e.g., with explicit language like “after performing X, performing Y,” incontrast to statements that might be improperly argued to imply sequencelimitations, like “performing X on items, performing Y on the X'editems,” used for purposes of making claims more readable rather thanspecifying sequence. Statements referring to “at least Z of A, B, andC,” and the like (e.g., “at least Z of A, B, or C”), refer to at least Zof the listed categories (A, B, and C) and do not require at least Zunits in each category. Unless specifically stated otherwise, asapparent from the discussion, it is appreciated that throughout thisspecification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,”“computing,” “calculating,” “determining” or the like refer to actionsor processes of a specific apparatus, such as a special purpose computeror a similar special purpose electronic processing/computing device.Features described with reference to geometric constructs, like“parallel,” “perpendicular/orthogonal,” “square”, “cylindrical,” and thelike, should be construed as encompassing items that substantiallyembody the properties of the geometric construct, e.g., reference to“parallel” surfaces encompasses substantially parallel surfaces. Thepermitted range of deviation from Platonic ideals of these geometricconstructs is to be determined with reference to ranges in thespecification, and where such ranges are not stated, with reference toindustry norms in the field of use, and where such ranges are notdefined, with reference to industry norms in the field of manufacturingof the designated feature, and where such ranges are not defined,features substantially embodying a geometric construct should beconstrued to include those features within 15% of the definingattributes of that geometric construct. The terms “first”, “second”,“third,” “given” and so on, if used in the claims, are used todistinguish or otherwise identify, and not to show a sequential ornumerical limitation.

The present techniques will be better understood with reference to thefollowing enumerated embodiments:

1. A robotic device comprising: a chassis including a set of wheels; oneor more motors for driving the set of wheels; a suspension system; arechargeable battery for providing power to the robotic device; acontroller for controlling movement of the robotic device; a processor;a set of sensors; and, a signal boosting device.2. The robotic device of embodiment 1, wherein the signal boostingdevice is built into the robotic device.3. The robotic device of embodiments 1-2, wherein the signal boostingdevice is separate from the robotic device and the robotic devicecarries the signal boosting device on a platform of the robotic device.4. The robotic device of embodiments 1-3, wherein the signal boostingdevice is attached to the robotic device and is detachable from therobotic device.5. The robotic device of embodiments 1-4 further comprising one or moreelectrical sockets.6. The robotic device of embodiments 1-5, wherein the processor of therobotic device is instructed to actuate the robotic device to transportthe signal boosting device to a location within an environment of therobotic device instantly or at a predetermined time using an applicationof a communication device paired with the robotic device.7. The robotic device of embodiment 6, wherein the communication devicecomprises one or more of the following: a mobile phone, a tablet, alaptop, a desktop computer, and a remote control.8. The robotic device of embodiments 1-7, wherein the robotic deviceautonomously transports the signal boosting device to one or morelocations within the environment of the robotic device.9. The robotic device of embodiment 8, wherein the one or more locationscomprises an area within which a user of the robotic device is located.10. The robotic device of claim 8, wherein the one or more locationscomprises an area within which maximum user activity occurs relative toother areas within the environment.11. The robotic device of embodiment 8, wherein the one or morelocations comprises an area located within a predetermined range fromthe user of the robotic device or from the communication device pairedwith the robotic device.12. The robotic device of embodiment 8, wherein the one or morelocations provide stronger signal strength to the communication devicepaired with the robotic device relative to other locations within theenvironment.13. The robotic device of embodiment 8, wherein the robotic deviceautonomously transports itself to the one or more locations at one ormore predetermined times.14. The robotic device of embodiments 1-13, wherein the signal boostingdevice amplifies a wireless Wi-Fi signal of a router.15. A method for providing a mobile signal boost comprising: providing arobotic device comprising: a chassis including a set of wheels; a motorfor driving the set of wheels; a suspension system; a rechargeablebattery for providing power to the device; a control system module forcontrolling the movement of the device; a processor; and, a set ofsensors; providing a signal boosting device coupled to the roboticdevice; and, transporting the signal boosting device to one or morelocations within an environment of the robotic device by the roboticdevice.16. The method of embodiment 15, wherein the processor of the roboticdevice is instructed to actuate the robotic device to transport thesignal boosting device to the one or more locations within theenvironment of the robotic device instantly or at a predetermined timeusing an application of a communication device paired with the roboticdevice.17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the communication devicecomprises one or more of the following: a mobile phone, a tablet, alaptop, a desktop computer, and a remote control.18. The method of embodiments 15-17, wherein the robotic deviceautonomously transports the signal boosting device to the one or morelocations within the environment of the robotic device.19. The method of embodiment 18, wherein the one or more locationscomprises an area within which a user of the robotic device is locatedor within which maximum user activity occurs relative to other areaswithin the environment.20. The method of embodiment 18, wherein the one or more locationscomprises an area located within a predetermined range from the user ofthe robotic device or from the communication device paired with therobotic device.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A robotic device comprising: a chassisincluding a set of wheels; one or more motors for driving the set ofwheels; a suspension system; a rechargeable battery for providing powerto the robotic device; a controller for controlling movement of therobotic device; a processor; a set of sensors; and, a signal boostingdevice; wherein: the robotic device autonomously transports the signalboosting device to one or more locations within the environment of therobotic device; and the one or more locations comprises at least an areawithin which maximum user activity occurs relative to other areas withinthe environment.
 2. The robotic device of claim 1, wherein the signalboosting device is built into the robotic device.
 3. The robotic deviceof claim 1, wherein the signal boosting device is separate from therobotic device and the robotic device carries the signal boosting deviceon a platform of the robotic device.
 4. The robotic device of claim 1,wherein the signal boosting device is attached to the robotic device andis detachable from the robotic device.
 5. The robotic device of claim 1further comprising one or more electrical sockets.
 6. The robotic deviceof claim 1, wherein the processor of the robotic device is instructed toactuate the robotic device to transport the signal boosting device to alocation within an environment of the robotic device instantly or at apredetermined time using an application of a communication device pairedwith the robotic device.
 7. The robotic device of claim 6, wherein thecommunication device comprises one or more of the following: a mobilephone, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop computer, and a remote control. 8.The robotic device of claim 1, wherein the one or more locations furthercomprises an area within which a user of the robotic device is located.9. The robotic device of claim 1, wherein the one or more locationsfurther comprises an area located within a predetermined range from theuser of the robotic device or from the communication device paired withthe robotic device.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the signalboosting device amplifies a wireless Wi-Fi signal of a router.
 11. Therobotic device of claim 1, wherein the one or more locations providestronger signal strength to the communication device paired with therobotic device relative to other locations within the environment. 12.The robotic device of claim 1, wherein the robotic device autonomouslytransports itself to the one or more locations at one or morepredetermined times.
 13. The robotic device of claim 1, wherein thesignal boosting device amplifies a wireless Wi-Fi signal of a router.14. A method for providing a mobile signal boost comprising: providing arobotic device comprising: a chassis including a set of wheels; a motorfor driving the set of wheels; a suspension system; a rechargeablebattery for providing power to the device; a control system module forcontrolling the movement of the device; a processor; and, a set ofsensors; providing a signal boosting device coupled to the roboticdevice; and, transporting the signal boosting device to one or morelocations within an environment of the robotic device by the roboticdevice; wherein: the robotic device autonomously transports the signalboosting device to the one or more locations within the environment ofthe robotic device; and the one or more locations comprises at least anarea within which a user of the robotic device is located or withinwhich maximum user activity occurs relative to other areas within theenvironment.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the processor of therobotic device is instructed to actuate the robotic device to transportthe signal boosting device to the one or more locations within theenvironment of the robotic device instantly or at a predetermined timeusing an application of a communication device paired with the roboticdevice.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the communication devicecomprises one or more of the following: a mobile phone, a tablet, alaptop, a desktop computer, and a remote control.
 17. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the one or more locations further comprises an arealocated within a predetermined range from the user of the robotic deviceor from the communication device paired with the robotic device.
 18. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the one or more locations provide strongersignal strength to the communication device paired with the roboticdevice relative to other locations within the environment.
 19. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the robotic device autonomously transportsitself to the one or more locations at one or more predetermined times.20. The method of claim 14, wherein the robotic device comprises one ormore electrical sockets.